Raising awareness on Gender-Based Violence for IDPs in Wau
In a training workshop organized for internally displaced persons (IDP), participants were asked to brainstorm on acts consider to be Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Domestic violence usually as perpetrated by men again women, rape and early marriage were repeatedly mentioned by the participants.
GBV encompasses types of intimate partner violence as well as a range of violent acts including physical, psychological, economic, and sexual violence, exploitive or coercive acts, as well as harmful traditional practices. It is also any violent act that is perpetrated on the basis of socially-ascribed gender differences which may result in health problems and violation of human rights.
As part of its role to raise awareness raising to increase sensitivity to protecting women and girls from GBV, UNMISS Wau Field Office organized workshops at three sites for representatives of community in Protection of Civilians (PoC) site living as well as those living at the Cathedral and Lokoloko IDP site.
There have been laws passed in parliament addressing GBV as well as contributions from activist groups on gender based violence. Mustapha Tejan-Kella, the Acting Head of UNMISS Field Office in Wau said that there is a need for collective and integrated efforts from all partners in order to stop gender-based violence.
“We called you to raise awareness on the issue of GBV and give information where services are available in case instances of abuse. There must be referral outlets where people can go for gender-based violence counseling and support,” said Tejan-Kella.
A total of 158 including 127 women took part in the one day GBV workshop that also touched on human rights and the participation of women in conflict prevention, peace and reconciliation efforts.